Haj e-registration has tackled fraudsters in Oman

Muscat: Fake Haj companies are finding it more difficult to operate in Oman, according to organisers of this year's pilgrimage.

According to Sheikh Sultan bin Said al Hinai, head of the Omani Haj mission for 2017, “Electronic registration put a limit on the phenomenon of fake Haj companies, and pilgrims are contacted directly by the Ministry of Religious affairs.”

Oman’s mission for 2017 will leave on August 19.

The Sheikh added: “Unregistered Haj companies will be dealt with by the law. These companies always cause legal and monetary problems for pilgrims. Each country is allowed a certain number of pilgrims every year, so going on the pilgrimage without a permit causes serious problems, including religious ones. To go without a permit isn’t only illegal; it is unfair to those who went through proper procedure.

“The mission has completed all the various procedures and coordinated for its travel arrangements within the Sultanate as well as out of it."

He added, “Once the pilgrims complete their electronic registrations, they will be given their camp tickets before heading out for Mecca.

“Of the 14 thousand Omanis registered in our electronic systems and spread out over 66 Haj companies, over 9,000 will head to Medina, which is why a service and support team will be sent to Medina.

“The transfer of electronic information to the Saudi Haj portal will be completed this week, allowing Omani Haj companies to receive their permits from Saudi Arabia. This data transfer will also allow the companies to seal their contracts and service packages for pilgrims to Mecca and Medina.

“The Omani Mission has already signed a memo with an organisation to provide services for pilgrims once they arrive in Mena and Jabal Arafat (parts of the pilgrimage) , where there will be some improving touches for the needs of pilgrims."